Newborn session notes

Here are some friendly tips to help you prepare for your newborn session.

Your baby

Your baby probably won’t be on a “schedule” by the time we take photos. That’s okay. My style is photojournalistic, and I think some of the best photos are of you and your family doing the everyday things like feeding, changing diapers, and cuddling. We will have time for feeding breaks during your session. As far as clothing, I think babies look best nude or with a plain white or small patterned onesie. Before their last feeding prior to our session, take them out of any warm pajamas and put on whatever you would like them to be photographed wearing. Then swaddle them up with blankets to keep them warm. Speaking of blankets, I love to photograph baby with any special blankets, quilts, stuffed animals, or any other “stuff” that’s meaningful to you. Get them out!

Your older child(ren)

I’ll try to get the shots of the whole family first. Your older child(ren) may or may not be initially excited to participate. That’s okay. We’ll focus on them when they are ready. Try to make this a fun, low-pressure situation for them. In my experience, threatening to withhold a treat to gain cooperation usually backfires.

You

Wear whatever makes you feel good. For mom, a simple camisole tank top or solid t-shirt photographs beautifully. I love soft, neutral palettes for newborns, but bold colors can be fun too. Think about flattering the bust and tummy. Coordinate everyone else’s outfits around yours so that they are complimentary without being too matchy-matchy. Try to avoid a lot of solid black which tends to lose detail in photographs.

Your home

One of the most important factors in your baby’s comfort is keeping them warm. I will bring a space heater, but I also need you to turn your thermostat up to 80 degrees one hour before I arrive. Trust me on this one. I expect to be running around your house with my camera in a tank top and sweaty 😉 When I arrive, I’ll take a brief tour to check out the light in different areas of your home. Please try to tidy up a bit and make your bed. But please don’t stress out about making sure the house is spotless. We can always temporarily displace any clutter if necessary. I may do some rearranging of furniture, which I’ll move back when we’re finished.

Final notes

Please remind me if there are any “must have” shots, for example, a close-up of just baby for a birth announcement. Newborn sessions typically take up to 2 hours, sometimes a bit longer depending on how baby is doing. We’ll have plenty of time for feeding breaks for baby if needed, so don’t worry!

Preparation checklist

Lay out a few onesies to choose from. Plain white or small patterns (stripes/dots/small flowers) work well.

Onesies in size NEWBORN, not 0-3 month, work best. We don’t want baby drowning in the clothes.

Lay out various blankets/throws/quilts to choose from. Think textures (cables/crochet/quilting).

If you’re unsure on your wardrobe, lay out a few options and I’m happy to provide guidance.

Turn up the heat!

A note for concerned newborn parents: I am up-to-date on my influenza and pertussis vaccinations, as are the rest of the members of my household.

Let’s Keep in touch!

First Name

Email address:

Leave this field empty if you're human:

Carrie Yuan is photographer, photojournalist, & filmmaker owner of Yi Li Photography Inc, specializing in on-location modern, documentary family photojournalism and storytelling sessions for families, kids, babies, moms-to-be, and all the important people in your life.
Carrie is based in Seattle, Washington and serves the greater Seattle area, Shoreline, Edmonds, Lake Forest Park, and the Eastside including Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, Issaquah, and Newcastle.
carrie@yiliphotography.com | 206.395.5160